Tossa de Mar, on Spain’s stunning Costa Brava, is a much-loved medieval gem of a town, admired for its well-preserved history, and loved for its spectacular beaches and magnificent views out over the Mediterranean. Its multitude of attributes make it a holiday destination that ticks the boxes for pretty much everyone: it’s relaxed enough to feel unspoiled, and lively enough to feel like you’re on holiday. While the highlights of the town are well documented, for those looking to get to know the “real” Tossa de Mar, we’ve got a few of the locals’ favourite ways to make the most of this lovely place.
- Tossa de Mar: Soak up the Magic of its Medieval Past
- Sneak off to the Serenity of Cala Bona
- Cruise Up the Coast on a Small Boat
- Secret Sunrises with the Birds
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Tossa de Mar: Soak Up the Magic of its Medieval Past
Tossa de Mar really does wear its history on its sleeve and from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, you’ll be reminded in dramatic effect of its long and storied heritage. From the fascinating history of the Old Town, to the ancient city walls, massive ramparts, imposing castle and, of course, the famous lighthouse, the past looms large alongside the modern accoutrements of tourism.
The town is a wonderful place for anyone with an interest in understanding more about the Catalonian region within the wider context of Spain’s history, and one of the great joys is how engaged and committed the locals are to preserving and promoting their own heritage. But aside from the importance of that responsibility, speak to any local and they’ll be more than happy to tell you how much they love their town. Try these suggestions to “live like a local” and you’ll understand exactly what they mean…
Sneak off to the Serenity of Cala Bona
Tossa de Mar is blessed with truly beautiful beaches right in front of the town, which are perfect for a relaxed dip and some sun bathing – but they can get quite busy at times. The pine-fringed cove of Cala Bona is very much a locals’ favourite, and not very often frequented by tourists. It really is a magical escape for those days when you feel like getting away from it all with a book or for some alone time.
Cala Bona’s setting between the ocean and soaring cliffs is made even more idyllic by lots of large trees to offer some welcome shade. The shallow waters that lap the cove are brilliantly clear and very calm, adding to the sense of tranquility. Cala Bona can be accessed by foot, 3km north along the coastal path (Cami de Ronda).
Cruise Up the Coast on a Small Boat
A boat cruise is nothing new, but in this stunning part of the world you can look forward to one of the most scenic experiences of your life. The key is to choose your operator with care; steer away from the big companies that pack as many people as possible onto a large vessel, and instead look for the genuinely local ones, crewed by the owner of the boat.
Most small boat cruises leave from the seafront right in front of town, and once out in the open water you’ll glide leisurely beneath massive rocky cliffs, past countless small coves and deserted beaches, and take in simply stunning views out to the horizon and back to the coastline. It’s a spectacular way to get a different view of the famous Costa Brava, and you’ll be able to anchor up for a swim and snorkelling at various places.
Tip: The best way to make sure you choose a boat and crew you feel comfortable with is to go for a very early morning stroll along the seafront and simply start chatting to locals!
Secret Sunrises with the Birds
Speaking of early mornings… we all know holidays are for sleeping late, but if you make an exception on your first (okay, maybe second) morning in Tossa de Mar, you might just be addicted. The Costa Brava is renowned for its magnificent sunrises, but there’s something even more special about the experience in this lovely town.
Head down to the main beach or one of the nearby small coves just as dawn breaks and find a comfortable spot on the sand, then enjoy the silence, solitude and breathtaking spectacle of painted skies and glassy, reflective waters as the sun makes its ascent. Depending on where you go, you’ll most likely have the beach to yourself, except for some residents setting up their shops and cafes for the day, walking dogs, or just appreciating the beauty of the place they call home. If there’s one sure way to feel like you belong somewhere, it’s seeing a place wake up – so this is also a wonderful time of day to take a leisurely walk through the Old Town to see it in a fresh way.
Seeing a place more through the eyes of a local and less through a touristic lens can be an incredibly enriching way to get to the heart and soul of a town. Seek out these and other lesser-known places and experiences in Tossa de Mar to make your holiday even more memorable than you could have imagined.
Where to Stay
Elizabeth by the Sea Hotel: World class service and amenities come together to offer the celebrity treatment in this very special beachfront hotel. One of the most renowned places to stay in Tossa de Mar, the hotel’s exceptional location and wonderful facilities will wrap you in the warmest of welcomes. Enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms, an extensive wellness centre, a beautiful swimming pool and sun terrace overlooking the ocean, and a restaurant serving high quality Mediterranean cuisine. True bliss.
Hotel Diana: Set right on the beachfront, this gorgeous boutique hotel is housed within an historic building offering far-reaching ocean views. The family-run hotel offers a relaxed, ambient stay in beautifully-appointed rooms, with a terrace to take in stunning views over the plaza or the sea. Close to shops, cafes, and restaurants, and with direct access to the beach on the doorstep, the service and surroundings of Hotel Diana offer a truly memorable stay.
Boutique Hotel Casa Granados: Right in the heart of Tossa de Mar just 150m from the beach, the elegant interiors and appointments of this boutique hotel are a fitting complement for its setting within a restored 19th-century mansion. Surrounded by lush gardens and offering a range of personalised luxury touches, the beautifully decorated rooms provide a sophisticated home-from-home. Onsite you can make use of the 24-hour cafe and excellent restaurant, along with extras available like a personal chauffeur or shopper to help make your stay very special.
How to Get There
The logistics of a holiday in Tossa de Mar are easy if you book a flight into Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), which is around two hours and fifteen minutes from the UK. Flights are available from TUI, Ryanair, Malta Air, and Jet2. You could also fly into Barcelona Airport (BCN), however although there’s more choice and regularity, it’s not as convenient, at around 85km away.
Once you’ve landed, the easiest way to get from Girona-Costa Brava Airport to Tossa de Mar is by pre-booking a shared or private transfer with Shuttle Direct. We’ll get you to your final destination in under 45 minutes.
Overview
UK to GRO Flight Time: 2 hours, 17 mins
GRO to Tossa de Mar: 48 kilometres approx.
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 45 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
Shuttle Direct is one of Europe’s leading airport transfer companies because we understand the need to provide multiple options. No matter what your budget or how you prefer to travel, one of our services from Girona-Costa Brava Airport to Tossa de Mar will fit the bill.
Shuttle Bus: Affordable, friendly and relaxed, our popular shuttle bus Girona transfers offer an easy and economical solution. When your flight lands, you’ll go to a pre-arranged spot outside the terminal to meet your driver and other passengers, then you’ll be on your way to be taken to a central drop-off point as near as possible to your accommodation.
Taxi: If you prefer the convenience of a taxi, when you pre-book through Shuttle Direct there’ll be no standing in long queues when you land. Instead, your friendly driver will be ready and waiting to take you right to the door of your accommodation. A pre-booked local taxi is a very affordable and comfortable Tossa de Mar transfer.
Minibus Transfer: For those travelling with a larger group of friends or family, the journey from Girona-Costa Brava Airport to Tossa de Mar can be simplified if you book one of our large capacity minibus transfers. With enough room for multiple passengers and all their luggage, this door-to-door service makes life a lot easier for groups.
Private Transfer: If you don’t mind paying a little extra for your Girona-Costa Brava transfers and you like a touch of luxury, one of our high-end private services will be a good choice. Your professional driver will meet you inside the terminal, then once you’ve been escorted to your comfortable modern vehicle, you’ll set off for Tossa de Mar and be delivered right to the doorstep.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Shuttle Direct makes getting from Girona-Costa Brava Airport to Tossa de Mar easy and hassle-free, because we offer multiple ways. The decision is up to you, but it will basically come down to whether you prefer to focus more on cost or convenience.
Convenience: If you don’t want to get bogged down with logistics, and a door-to-door service is non-negotiable, one of our pre-booked local taxis or a luxury private transfer is the Tossa de Mar transfer you’re looking for. It costs a little more than a shared transfer service, but you’ll enjoy a relaxed ride right to the door of your accommodation.
Cost: On the other hand, if the most important thing to you is to get the cheapest transfer from Girona-Costa Brava Airport to Tossa de Mar, then our popular shared shuttle bus option will be for you. It isn’t a door-to-door service, but you’ll be dropped at a designated central stop as close as possible to where you’re staying.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is proud to be considered a leading provider of quality, affordable airport transfers all over the world. We offer a range of services, from budget-friendly shared shuttle buses all the way up to luxury private airport transfers. Wherever you need to go and whatever your budget, we’ve got something to suit. Our friendly, professional drivers and clean, well-maintained vehicles offer you the peace of mind you need to make your holiday plans run smoothly. Book online with us and we’ll do the rest.
